As the seasons shift, many Australians look forward to the warmer weather.

Yet, for a significant portion of the population, this time of year could bring a condition that may cause discomfort.

Medical professionals raised the alarm as hay fever season arrives ahead of schedule.

This could particularly affect individuals with asthma.

Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is a common ailment that impacts around 20 per cent of Australians.

With the seasons changing, many people may confuse asthma with hay fever. Image Credit: Pexels/Polina Tankilevitch

Hay fever symptoms are often mistaken for a common cold.

However, hay fever is an allergic reaction to airborne substances like pollen, which are more prevalent during spring and summer.

This year's early arrival of hay fever season has been attributed to changing weather patterns, leading to an increase in pollen production.

This could be particularly problematic for individuals with asthma, as hay fever and asthma symptoms frequently overlap.

Bupa Clinical Director Dr Tony MacDermott emphasised the importance of vigilance during this period.

'If you're wheezing, experiencing shortness of breath, or a persistent cough, don't let that go unchecked,' Dr MacDermott stated.

'They are not typical hay fever symptoms; these may be signs of seasonal asthma.'

Asthma symptoms could be more severe, as they include chest tightness, faintness, or shortness of breath.

Apart from the discomfort these symptoms cause, these warnings also raised the potential strain on healthcare services.

'Prevention is the best way to manage asthma. It helps in taking pressure off ambulances and overcrowded public hospitals,' Dr MacDermott added.

With the proper precautions, individuals may manage their symptoms and minimise the need for emergency services.

For those experiencing symptoms, it is crucial to differentiate hay fever from asthma.

Visiting a general practitioner or a specialised clinic could give an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Here are some symptoms of hay fever everyone should look out for. Source: 9News

For those diagnosed with asthma, always keep inhalers up-to-date.

Over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines could also provide temporary relief.

Keeping windows closed on high pollen days, wearing sunglasses to protect the eyes, and showering after staying outdoors to remove pollen could also help.

By taking preventative measures and seeking medical advice, everyone may enjoy the beauty of spring without the burden of allergies.

Key Takeaways

• Australians were warned about the hay fever season starting earlier this year.
• Doctors saw an increase in hay fever patients due to weather changes and an earlier pollen season.
• Bupa Clinical Director Dr Tony MacDermott advised those with asthma to be cautious of overlapping symptoms with hay fever.
• Those diagnosed with asthma were encouraged to check their inhalers and seek medical advice to manage their conditions during this season.

Did you notice the early start of hay fever season? How do you keep yourselves healthy during these changes in the weather? Share your health tips with us in the comments section below.

 

[Colette 3799]

Mine starts when the Wattle comes out but it’s actually not been too bad this year up to now

 

[DLHM]

I’ve noticed the effects of hay fever are definitely much worse this year.

 

[Veggiepatch]

I’ve noticed the effects of hay fever are definitely much worse this year.

Now it has been compounded by the smoke from necessary but annoying hazard reduction burns east of Perth.

 

[Ebby]

When we lived in lovely Launceston my daughter and myself were affected several time by some plant or something and we couldn't get our breath .We went to the hospital and they gave us some medicine but we never found out what it was No-one else in the family was affected.Has this happened to anyone?

 

[PattiB]

When we lived in lovely Launceston my daughter and myself were affected several time by some plant or something and we couldn't get our breath .We went to the hospital and they gave us some medicine but we never found out what it was No-one else in the family was affected.Has this happened to anyone?

I’m allergic to daffodils & most other strong scented plants. I have heaps of daffodils in the garden but I can’t ever bring them inside. We also have a lot of roses which I adore & love the perfume, so I’ll pick them, enjoy having them inside for a day then off they go to my neighbour. I used to love having cut flowers inside but alas I developed allergic asthma in my 40’s & my husband has hayfever. Ebby, Launceston is only great if you don’t want to go shopping.

 

[Littleboy8]

When we lived in lovely Launceston my daughter and myself were affected several time by some plant or something and we couldn't get our breath .We went to the hospital and they gave us some medicine but we never found out what it was No-one else in the family was affected.Has this happened to anyone?

Probably caused from the poor air quality as Launceston has one of the worst in tassie next to Rosebery thanks to all the wood fires burning, and living in a hole the smoke gets trapped.

 

[Ebby]

I’m allergic to daffodils & most other strong scented plants. I have heaps of daffodils in the garden but I can’t ever bring them inside. We also have a lot of roses which I adore & love the perfume, so I’ll pick them, enjoy having them inside for a day then off they go to my neighbour. I used to love having cut flowers inside but alas I developed allergic asthma in my 40’s & my husband has hayfever. Ebby, Launceston is only great if you don’t want to go shopping.

Lived in L/ton in 1979 so can't say what the shopping is like now .ls Jimmy's supermarket still there?.
l'm a plant lover myself l just hate watching cut flowers slowly die .

 

[PattiB]

Lived in L/ton in 1979 so can't say what the shopping is like now .ls Jimmy's supermarket still there?.
l'm a plant lover myself l just hate watching cut flowers slowly die .

No Jimmys is long gone and is now Coles. Jimmy sold up when he became our mayor in the late 1980’s.

 

[Ebby]

Probably caused from the poor air quality as Launceston has one of the worst in tassie next to Rosebery thanks to all the wood fires burning, and living in a hole the smoke gets trapped.

l have just looked into the air quality in L/ton and it's ok but l suppose in winter with all the wood heaters it's bound to change things.l lived in West L/ton near the Gorge just beautiful

 

[Ebby]

No Jimmys is long gone and is now Coles. Jimmy sold up when he became our mayor in the late 1980’s.

Thanks Patti . Oh my goodness fancy him being a mayor l had a do with him when l asked why the previous persons bill had been added to mine.He was very abrupt and kept me waiting for ages.

 

[Luckyus]

WARNING: This common disease could soon affect thousands of Aussies. Are you at risk? I'm already as are all of us suffering the same disease/dilemma> It's called government?

 

[havingadoggyday]

When we lived in lovely Launceston my daughter and myself were affected several time by some plant or something and we couldn't get our breath .We went to the hospital and they gave us some medicine but we never found out what it was No-one else in the family was affected.Has this happened to anyone?

Years ago,my sister now 68,was about 16.Her lips would swell at a moment notice without any explanation but only on occasion
She finally ended up at a Macquarie Street allergist back in the seventies in Sydney.
Luckily,he said he knew just what it was he had seen it only once before.
Apparently there was a rag weed of some name I can't remember,native to New Zealand that would only come across at that exact time of year when the winds were headed our way.He knew exactly what injections to give her and it went away completely.We were so relieved as nobody that we visited in our area knew what it was.So yes, there are some weird and wonderful things that we are allergic or sensitive to and not necessarily a family trait.Thanks to all.AAAHHHCHOOOOOO

 

[Littleboy8]

Years ago,my sister now 68,was about 16.Her lips would swell at a moment notice without any explanation but only on occasion
She finally ended up at a Macquarie Street allergist back in the seventies in Sydney.
Luckily,he said he knew just what it was he had seen it only once before.
Apparently there was a rag weed of some name I can't remember,native to New Zealand that would only come across at that exact time of year when the winds were headed our way.He knew exactly what injections to give her and it went away completely.We were so relieved as nobody that we visited in our area knew what it was.So yes, there are some weird and wonderful things that we are allergic or sensitive to and not necessarily a family trait.Thanks to all.AAAHHHCHOOOOOO

Achooooooooo to you too

 

[Gaena]

Years ago I was struck down by a mysterious allergy and it took some intensive investigation to find out the cause, a friend who was a nurse and I went around the garden checking my reaction to various plants, thinking that must be what was causing the big red itchy welts on my hands, arms and legs after not finding anything we returned to the kitchen table where my friend spotted t bowl of Cammelia flower heads that my next door neighbour had bought in for me she encouraged me to pick up the flowers and almost imediately my hands began to swell and itch terribly, WE had found the cause. I now know that I cannot go within touching distance of a Cammelia bush, such a shame as in full bloom they are beautiful to look at and I would love to plant some in the garden

 

[David567]

I'm very concerned about the TRUMP virus hitting Australia. We already have the deadly ALBOSLEAZY virus pandemic. At least Hay Fever can be treated, the other two are deadly. There is now the a serious threat of the LIBERAL virus hitting Queensland on the 26th October.

 

[havingadoggyday]

Years ago I was struck down by a mysterious allergy and it took some intensive investigation to find out the cause, a friend who was a nurse and I went around the garden checking my reaction to various plants, thinking that must be what was causing the big red itchy welts on my hands, arms and legs after not finding anything we returned to the kitchen table where my friend spotted t bowl of Cammelia flower heads that my next door neighbour had bought in for me she encouraged me to pick up the flowers and almost imediately my hands began to swell and itch terribly, WE had found the cause. I now know that I cannot go within touching distance of a Cammelia bush, such a shame as in full bloom they are beautiful to look at and I would love to plant some in the garden

Shame they smell beautiful,but strong

I'm very concerned about the TRUMP virus hitting Australia. We already have the deadly ALBOSLEAZY virus pandemic. At least Hay Fever can be treated, the other two are deadly. There is now the a serious threat of the LIBERAL virus hitting Queensland on the 26th October.

 

[havingadoggyday]

Shame they smell beautiful,but strong

 

[havingadoggyday]

Laugh emoji re political virus not your unfortunate Camila one